New Taxes Inform New Appointment at DLA Piper

Dubai and Saudi Arabia are adding a VAT.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia will both be implementing a value added tax as of January 1, 2018, In anticipation of that event DLA Piper, a global law firm, appointed a new Middle East head of tax in the company’s branch in Dubai.

Ton Van Doremalen began in his new position on December 3. He has more than 16 years of experience in international tax structuring in a number of countries, including the Netherlands, Luxembourg, UK, the UAE, the GCC and Egypt.

Roderik Bouwman, global co-chair at DLA Piper, said, “We are delighted to have Ton on board as the founder of DLA Piper’s Middle Eastern Tax practice, at a time of highly anticipated tax changes and regulation in the Middle East. Ton is widely respected within the industry and brings energy, business acumen and an entrepreneurial spirit to the role.”

DLA Piper is an award-winning law firm, having been recognized as the “International Law Firm of the Year” at last year’s Middle East Legal Awards.

Regional managing partner Peter Somekh said that, “last year has seen us further consolidate our already strong presence in the Middle East. We see the creation of a dedicated Tax practice as invaluable as the region continues to develop as a major international business hub, with Ton’s arrival further reinforcing our ongoing commitment to delivering clients a full-service local offering.”